FAQs

Q. Can Chiropractic help me?

A. If you have nerve interference then chiropractic can and will help. The goal of chiropractic is to remove any interference in the joints of the body.

Q. What type of education do chiropractic doctors complete?

A. Chiropractors are very well educated. The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate and analyze the subluxation and help to correct the resulting nervous system and biomechanical dysfunction. A chiropractic education never ends; Dr. Wilbeck attends at least two conferences every year to stay current on the latest scientific research and techniques in order to be one of the best chiropractors in Wichita.

Q. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

A. Chiropractic is one of the safest health care treatments available today. It has been practiced for over 100 years and has a track record of being the safest of all healthcare professions as recognized by the Malpractice Insurance carriers. Malpractice premiums are based on potential risk and chiropractic has the lowest premiums, compared to other heath care professions. Dr. Wilbeck is a very experienced doctor and has been is practice for over 27 years. His record shows not only is he safe, but he is also effective at treating joint misalignments.

Q. Do I have a slipped disc?

A. Technically, a disc can’t “slip”. Between the spinal bones lies a disc of cartilage-type material. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer and shock absorber for the spine and body. The center consists of a jelly-like center with surrounding fibrous connective tissues. Healthy discs allow normal bending and turning of the spine.

Because each disc is intricately attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot “slip”. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, or even rupture. This is very painful. The jellylike center can leak, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve and spinal cord. Most people do benefit from choosing chiropractic care for their spine-related problems regardless of their medical diagnosis of disc involvement.

Q Is it true that once you start, you have to go the rest of your life?

A. There is no process that does not require time. We will ensure that you will receive only the number of treatments necessary to correct the problem. Because our bodies are self-healing, your body will tell us when you no longer need chiropractic care. This may occur after one treatment, or it may take more. Through specialized, scientific techniques, we will know when your body has successfully responded to treatment. And, we always provide you with options and communicate the benefits and consequences with you when discussing your treatment plan.

Patients sometimes confuse “maintenance care” with treatment. Patients who receive “maintenance care” following treatment are less likely to need extensive care for their condition in the future.

Q. What if my problem is not a “back problem?”

A. Your body is self-healing, and chiropractic care helps enable the self-healing process. All body functions are controlled by the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. If the cause of your medical condition is a result of irritation or pressure on a nerve, chiropractors are trained to relieve this problem. Since these nerves are located in the spine, chiropractic doctors are commonly mistaken for healing only back problems. The doctor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations for spinal adjustments are based upon the patient’s case history. If there is a need for a referral, Dr Wilbeck will advise you where to go if anything is out of his scope of practice as outlined by the Kansas Chiropractic Board. A subluxation chiropractic care plan includes a series of targeted spinal adjustments used to relieve choked or hyperactive nerves. When the adjustment plan is followed, healing is usually achieved.

Q. Why do children need chiropractic care?

A. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for subluxations. Intervention techniques such as forceps and vacuum extraction can cause immense pressure on a newborn’s neck and spinal cord. As children grow, childhood activities (like learning to walk or ride a bicycle) can cause spinal problems. You may see children continually falling to one side, which may start to rotate the pelvis and give rise to many problems in adult life. Although many fix a fall with a bandage, there still remains unseen injury that should be seen by a chiropractor. Many children fall on their head before the age of two. These falls can cause whiplash type injury to the neck.

The neck is where the spinal cord is the thickest, so any injury to the head and neck needs to be thoroughly checked. At this stage in life, our bodies are very quick to adapt to injuries, so many effects if left untreated may cause problems such as recurrent ear infections, respiratory issues, bed wetting, frequent colds and flus. Any time there is stress on the nervous system it can affect the function of the nervous system.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as “growing pains” can be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many health complaints that adults experience. Naturally, chiropractic adjustments are modified to a child’s spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.

Q. Are all patients spines adjusted the same way?

A. Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients notice that their chiropractic care and adjustments are delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds on the previous one. Although many visits may seem similar, each patient’s care is uniquely different from that of every other patient.

Q. Can I adjust myself?

A. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction to a specific spinal joint, it is fundamentally impossible to adjust yourself. It is possible to turn, bend or twist in a certain direction to create a “popping” sound. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making the pain eventually increase. The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. If you are feeling a ‘relief of pressure’ as it is commonly described, when you twist or bend to hear a popping sound, you may be suffering from Vertebral Subluxation. Call Dr. Wilbeck for a complimentary check up today.

Q. Can I speed the healing process?

A. While there aren’t any shortcuts to speed your recovery, there is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance at a quick recovery from spinal problems.

Learning proper sitting and lifting methods can prevent unnecessary strain on your spine. Specific exercises may be given to help retrain the muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is also an important aspect of the healing process. Getting the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoiding sleeping on your stomach can be very beneficial.

During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you’re overweight, slimming down will also help reduce unnecessary stresses on your spine. Drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is also beneficial.

Q. Will it hurt?

A. You need to be aware that if you are in pain, Dr Wilbeck needs to be able to examine this area and you may feel some minor discomfort but is most typically painless.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. Our office fees vary. The cost will depends on the severity of your condition and the type of care that is needed. Numerous studies show that chiropractic care is lower in cost, and can be more effective than other care. Rest assured, we will do everything we can to make sure that finances are not an obstacle for you to receive necessary care.After seeing how your body responds to chiropractic care Dr. Wilbeck will recommend a program of care for you. (See fees)

Q. How long will I need chiropractic care?

A. The time it takes to recover will depend on the particular circumstances in your case. Painful symptoms are often alleviated in a shorter time period while the more competed recovery from the total affect of your subluxations require ongoing care allow you to function at your best. Spinal problems neglected since early childhood may require some ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine. Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in optimal condition. A schedule of preventive care is helpful in the maintenance of good health for those who are active, have stressful jobs or want to be their very best. Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their pain becomes unbearable. When this style of “crisis management” is used, treatment is often more costly and time-consuming. It is my job as a chiropractor to care for every patient, regardless of his or her health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

For more information check these links:http://www.chiromatrix.com/Chiropractic_Website_Spine_Simulator/nerve_chart/http://www.chiropractic.org/http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/consumer/history.htmhttp://www.amerchiro.org/